syun4 gei1璇璣璇玑
Jyutpingsyun4 gei1
Yalesyùhn gēi
Definition
The North Star, the throne, or a type of ancient jade ware.
- the North Star
- literarythe imperial throne
- historicalan ancient astronomical jade instrument
writtennature
How it's used
Primarily found in classical literature and historical texts, this term is rarely used in modern spoken Cantonese. It refers to specific stars in the Big Dipper or ancient astronomical instruments, often serving as a poetic metaphor for the heavens or imperial authority. Using it in casual conversation will sound highly formal or archaic.
Examples
Ancient people observed the North Star to determine direction.
This jade piece is carved as exquisitely as the jade ware.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with common star-related terms, as it is a specific literary reference rather than a general word for stars or the North Star.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
